I provide commentary on political economy, police and prosecutorial abuse, and whatever else might come to mind.
Let justice roll down like waters,
and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream. Amos 5:24 (ESV)

Friday, May 28, 2010

An Open Letter to Judge Marie Williams

In writing this letter to you, Judge Williams, let me first say that I have no intention of trying to appeal to you in the way that I appealed to "judge" Brian House. You have a conscience and a sense of decency, and that makes all the difference. Furthermore, you actually know how to act like a judge, as opposed to House, who apparently is a prosecutor wannabe.

Anyway, I suspect you know why I am writing to you, and I hope that you understand why I am doing this. In many ways, you know much more about this case than I do because you were in on the ground floor in the custody battle between Joal Henke and Tonya Craft. However, much has passed by since this situation started brewing a couple of years ago, and I believe that the true character of the individuals players is well established.

I read in the news that Tonya is formally asking you to have visitation rights with both of her children, and that is quite reasonable, don't you think? Furthermore, there is no question at all about Ms. Craft NOT being a child molester, and it is not just because a jury acquitted her two weeks ago. No, House stacked the deck and he let his two partners-in-crime, Len Gregor and Chris Arnt, run the trial, and the verdict still was a rout.

Furthermore, contra Buzz Franklin, the prosecutors did not put on a "compelling case for conviction," unless it was a "compelling case" against themselves for suborning perjury, knowingly bringing false charges, lying in court, and telling the world that judges and prosecutors in the Lookout Mountain Judicial Circuit are lawless. I could see that, most of Chattanooga could see that, and I am sure that you saw it as well.

The only reason that Ms. Craft has not had personal contact with her daughter these past two years has been because Joal Henke lied, Sandra Lamb lied, Len Gregor lied, Chris Arnt lied, Stacy Long lied, Laurie Evans lied, Suzi Thorne lied (and did she ever lie), Tim "Dirty" Deal lied, and Brian House lied. It was a parade of liars, and you have seen some of those same serial liars laying their droppings in your own courtroom, and you know how much they stink.

Think of what it must be like to be falsely accused, to have Channel 9 sending reporters to your neighborhood to scream, "A Child Molester Lives Here!!" and to be put on trial in an arena that resembles something you would expect to have seen in the U.S.S.R. I'm sure that you and everyone else expected Tonya to be convicted, especially given that the only thing House had not done to ensure a guilty verdict was to instruct the jury that they had to convict her if they wanted to leave the building alive.

Instead, the jurors did the right thing and voted acquittal, and what does this say about the state of "professionals" in an American courtroom? All of the "officials" in that building were claiming Tonya was guilty, from the judge to the bailiffs, yet the "amateurs" there -- the jurors -- saw right through the lies. What does that say when it is the state, the people in charge of "the system," that are the liars?

It doesn't exactly give us hope when we see those in positions of trust and authority trying to outdo each other in who can tell the biggest fib. I would hope that the spectacle that was the Tonya Craft trial would make you a bit ashamed that a fellow judge would spit on justice as did House, but also make you more determined not to be like him.

Well, you have the opportunity to do justice, real justice. Tonya Craft for more than two years has been seeking justice in the courts of Tennessee and Georgia, and so far, the liars seem to have held the upper hand. You and I were brought up to hate lies and not to have anything to do with liars.

Yet, what has Joal Henke done these past two years? He has lied to you, committed perjury while testifying against Tonya in the criminal case, and essentially stolen Tonya's children, lying to them about their mother. (I don't even want to go into the execrable Facebook page that Henke's wife, Sarah, had during the trial in which she was holding Tonya's daughter as her own and thanking God for giving her such a wonderful child.) In a world in which the courts actually engaged in justice, Henke would be in handcuffs and wearing an orange jumpsuit, sharing a cell with Arnt and Gregor.

There has been one person these past two years who has told the truth, and her name is Tonya Craft, yet she also is the one who has to beg the court to let her spend time with her own daughter. Does that not at least bother you? It should bother you, since for the last two years the "justice" system of the State of Georgia has declared that lies are the truth, the truth is a lie, and that liars are more welcome in its courts than those who are truthful. That is beyond a disgrace, and no country, no nation, no people can withstand that kind of assault. The barbarians are not at the gate; no, they are in the city, running its institutions and claiming to be civilized.

So, you have an opportunity to reverse some of the real harm that your fellow jurist and his prosecutors buddies have done. While it is true that you cannot make undone that which has happened, nonetheless you can strike a blow for the truth and a blow for justice.

Is there any justification for further separation of Tonya Craft from her children? I think not, and somehow I believe that you agree. You know how you were brought up and you know the values our teachers instilled in us. This is your moment, and I hope you recognize it and act.

137 comments:

From all I've read on this matter, Tonya has been very open to a process that would leave any judge agreeing to her requests to considered as fair to the parents and looking out for the best interest for the children.

your words parallel all that i have been thinking... all that is in my heart. i pray every day that judge williams will set precedent aside and do the right thing for all involved. these children were abruptly removed from a home where they felt safe and secure... removed from their mother who i know they dearly loved. all because of a multitude of lies, orchestrated by some very evil people. it is time for these children to be returned to their mother! to their real home... that is where they belong!

I hope that if Judge Williams does not grant Ms Craft immediate full custody that she at least do what she did with Laurie Evans and look into the current therepist the daughter is visiting and determine her fitness. From what I've been hearing, she's worse than Evans.

If any psychologists are reading this, I'm sorry if this does not apply to you, but when I took the required psychology course at university my professor was a practicing psychologist. From her I got the impression that most people go into that profession not just to help others but because there is something wrong with themselves that they hope to work out.

... let's not forget the death threat against Tonya by "a mother of the accusers" that said in no uncertain terms that "... if acquitted Tonya would not leave the court room alive!"

In almost every respect Tonya has been denied the most BASIC civil liberties.

Look at what has happened...

The ninnies running the LMJC have denied Tonya, freedom of speech, the right to due process and her right to privacy. These are and have been basic tenants of freedom and liberty since the Magna Carta!

A very moving article, Bill, and one I hope brings prayers for Tonay to at the very least, meet with her daughter in a place where they can begin the healing they've deserved for so long. The very worst crime perpetuated by those who went after her with such vengeance is, unfortunately, not a crime. Yet, the sentence she's served and continues to serve is harsh enough to tear apart a family forever. While I know by law, Judge Williams can't read your column until the custody case finishes, I hope she hears of the seriousness of it through the same prayers we used to help the jury see through the rheortic during the criminal trial. The same goes for Brad Wade and James Moss as they fight the travails brought upon them by a system out of control. As more and more of these cases pop up, not only in LMJC, I begin to wonder what kind of justice anyone - especially law abiding citizens - expect to receive in the state of Georgia.

If I were the judge...First, I would demand to Joal & Sarah that they stop ALL negative comments about Tonya to the girl, and tell them she will be allowed to see Tonya on a trial basis. If ANY negative comments are found, they will lost all visitation rights. Meantime I get a new therapist and start NOW supervised visits 3 hours per week with Tonya for 6 weeks. After 6 weeks I will meet with all parties who beforehand must prepare personal written statements on how the visitation is proceeding.After this 6 weeks I will review the situation and decide on the next 6 weeks.This kid needs to be left out of the lawsuit and have time to start some healing/forgetting. This will require effort on the mother and father's part.The therapist and/or supervisor of the visits, plus individual conversations with the child would be MAJOR in my decision.I would NOT just transplant the child back to Tonya, UNLESS Joal continues to misbehave.I have some thought that maybe time needs to be given to Joal, Tonya, and the girl all present with the therapist to access how they can work TOGETHER to start healing.If the parents will not put this case BEHIND, then I may have to make a decision on which parent to keep the child, or even move the kid out altogether for some time.Sorry folks, but Tonya nor Joal is not my main concern here, it's the kids.What I want is amicable joint custody, until I see that one or the other does not deserve custody in any form.

A great letter Bill!! Do you think you could write one to the judges in Catoosa County for my son. It has been four years and five and a half months since he has been a part of his children's lives. All charges were dropped on August 27 of last year, yet nine months later he still does not have his visitation, that should have gone back into effect as soon as charges were dropped. His x-wife and her husband have actively engaged in parental alienation. We did get to have the children for four hours on Christmas day, court ordered and I had to be the one to pick them up and take them back. On the ride home, about 15 min., I kept asking myself, who these children were, especially my grandson. He has become almost a clone of his step-father, whom I despise. My granddaughter had to ask me if we still lived in the same house. My grandchildren have both been told a lot of lies about their father, not going to go into them here, but they were shocking. So much damage has been done to our family, bonds that were tight have been broken and you can't get back time. In our minds, my grandchildren are still 10 and 8, because that is how old they were before their mother cut us all off from them. We, my husband and I, took over our son's weekend visitation after he was charged and per his bond conditions could only see his children under supervision. So, for us, it has been three years and three months. Our son loves his children and we adore our grandchildren. We were at every ball game, every school event, birthdays, holidays, etc. but we have all been denied that since she remarried. If Tim Deal, Len Greggor and company had not falsely accused my son and then kept it going for three years and nine months before the charges were dropped, then she would not have been able to do what she has done. Since last fall, my son has been trying to get into court to get his children back, but none of the judges will hear the case, because of the former case, which of course was dropped. You see, they all think she took them away from him and us, because of those charges, but that is not what happened. They have been taken away because of her husband, who did the same thing to his x-wife and her family. But, we can't get into court to tell that. My son's x-wife didn't have a problem with him or us, until this man came along. In fact, she was solidly behind and supportive of our son. She never denied him his children or us our grandchildren until this manipulative and emotionally abusive man came into her life.

I would be quite glad to write something for your son. The one problem is that the judges in the LMJC, with the possible exception of one, simply are awful and have no moral capability of making good and decent decisions.

Unfortunately, this is what the people of the LMJC apparently want, since all of these judges were elected. So, people who live in that area must understand that if they ever are in a situation in which a judge is involved, they are not going to get justice.

Furthermore, if Buzz Franklin really believes that Gregor and Arnt put up a "compelling case for conviction," then he should be recalled immediately. The man is not fit for his job, morally, ethically, and practically. He is both venal and clueless, the very worst kind of person to have in such a position of power and authority.

eagle1"What I want is amicable joint custody, until I see that one or the other does not deserve custody in any form." And here we go with it's for the kids.

Tonya has done NOTHING NOTHING wrong. She didn't DESERVE to loose her children to the VERY people that created a terrible and abusive situation for the CHILDREN. She wasn't the one that took a shower with a 6 year old teaching her how to shave her privates! I could write a novel in response. However, it is all in this blog from the first post.

Read it please, as you know NOTHING about this, Nicky or are you Lorie?

Can someone confirm beyond any rumor that Sandra Lamb and her husband are getting a divorce? If so, I wonder if a guardian ad leitum should be appointed for their children the same as with Ms Craft. I'm thinking that if such happens then there may be some more recriminations regarding Laurie Evans' continued involvement with the children.

Another questions concerns the other alleged victims of Ms Craft, those who were not a part of the actual case. What counseling have they received? People often describe therepists as shrinking people's heads. In the case of the ladies whom these girls have been seing and were intervied by at CAC, I would liken what has happened to their brains more to what Egyptian mummies went through--where an egg beater-like instrument was shoved through the nose into the skull, the brain turned into mush, and then poured out.

Folks, I've thought much about the fact that Tonya's lawsuit did not name Jerry McDonald or Greg Lamb.

I've heard the Lambs were divorced now, can't imagine why, so that could be the reason for Greg Lamb not being named.

McDonald though, I don't understand one bit, Unless, he has flipped and is helping the Craft cause now.

From what a few of you have written, McDonald was basically forced to testify by a tandem of Lamb and Arnt, and he perjured himself on the stand by saying he hadn't spoken with Echols. Any thoughts about that?

Some of you "in the know" from Catoosa County and the surrounding areas know some of the goings on that we don't, so if there's any things happening let us know.

ALSO: Has anyone seen or heard from Sandra Lamb or Sherri Sumo Wilson since they were served with the lawsuit this week?

Actually your plan is excellent. However I would add in a requirement that there be an independent, court appointed therapist observing all sessions with the children.

The only problem with your plan is Joal Hencke who has perpetrated a terrible act of child abuse. His wife admitted to being inappropriate with a child (big red flag). I would actually recommend the child be placed with the grandparents and supervised visitation be required from both parents along with intervention from a Psychiatrist for both parents. I believe both children are in danger (emotional, mental) and continue to be abused emotionally and mentally.

Tonya shouldn't have to have visitation or supervised anything. If the jerks that lied and started this whole mess hadn't then her kids would be with her now. So if all the past two years are wiped clean then the reason for taking them doesn't exist. To keep her kids from her is cruel. And God will help you reap what you sow. Not saying that once Tonya has her kids that she shouldn't take them to see someone that could help them make sense of these past two years. We all need a little help from time to time so that's not a bad idea. But to leave them in a home that is full of lying pretenders is not what these kids need. They need their mother. The dad and step mother should be ashamed. Their church should ask them to leave.

Yesterday I had lunch with a friend (whom you would know, btw). Williams was his divorce judge. He had EXTREMELY high regard for her. His ex tried some shenanigans to keep him away from his kids (including a little bit of false accusation) and Judge Williams just about threw her in the pokey for contempt. I know that she will try to put the interests of the children ahead of Joal or Tonya, but I am very hopeful that she will move in a just direction for all involved.

Another item of interest... I may have missed this on the blog but I was told by someone who used to work with Sharon Anderson that she also works for the coroner, Dewayne Wilson. This would mean that she testified as an "impartial expert witness" in a case where her boss's family was one of the key accusers????

I hope that Tonya at least gets some type of supervised visitation very soon! She has made it clear that she is more than willing to be flexible in her schedule. What a sad situation!

On the subject of Greg Lamb--if I recall correctly, he didn't testify? If he did, then I guess I completely missed it. I would assume that would be why he wasn't named in the suit. Also, since he may be trying to negotiate his own custody issues, he might not be as willing to rock the boat with his soon-to-be former wife. However, once this civil lawsuit comes to trial, I would think all of that would be resolved, which would quite possibly open the door for him to be subpoened to testify in Tonya's behalf. Not saying that will happen, but....

I also believe that the reason Jerry McDonald wasn't named in the lawsuit is because of the pressure and threats that have been rumored to have been made to him by the prosecutors. If the case against Eric Echols actually makes it to trial, (which I'm not convinced it will), then his documented proof of the contents of the interview will entered as evidence, I'm certain. Jerry could also end up being witness for Tonya in her civil lawsuit.

Also, while we all know that Tonya didn't molest her daughter, her daughter believes it, thanks to Joal and the interviewers/therapists. To give Tonya full custody immediately, without regard to how the daughter might feel, would be cruel and I think even Tonya knows that. It would also be irresponsible to allow Joal to retain full custody after all the stunts that he's pulled. It will definitely take the wisdom of Solomon to remedy this situation.

Sharon Anderson is deputy coroner of, I believe, Catoosa County, while Dewayne Wilson is coroner of Walker County. (I might have the counties mixed up, but I know that they are not officially tied to the same counties.)

There is no doubt, however, that the parade of witnesses that were on the stand are tied together both with work and socially, if Facebook is an indication. Yet, even then, they could not get their lies straight.

As for the mutual friend, Cyril, I think I have an idea who it might be!

Dealing with Kaye's comment, remember that Eric Echols has in his possession a two-hour conversation with Jerry McDonald. Thus, when Jerry denied on the stand (under oath) that he had spoken to Eric, he committed perjury.

Now, I am very, very, very reluctant to call Jerry a liar, and I think that he gladly would have told the truth, but the prosecutors pretty much spelled out what they wanted him to say, and I would not be surprised if they threatened to charge him with perjury IF HE TOLD THE TRUTH. In my view, Jerry was a victim of Len Gregor and Chris Arnt.

That is frightening, people. Those of you who live in the LMJC have prosecutors who knowingly and deliberately suborn perjury, and they get away with it. There is nothing that goes more to the heart of a system of justice than those who supposed to guard the truth are demanding that their witnesses lie.

I understand that some of you are coming from professions that deal with child custody cases. However, this situation is so extreme that is there really a protocal transistion plan for this?Also, Tonya's daughter does NOT BELIEVE that her mother molested her, rather she says or behaves as she needs to just to have some peace and quite from her father and step mother's trash talking.She LOVES her mother. To leave her in the care of the actual abusors is abuse.

Bill, I have heard that there are more people in other child molestation cases, who found themselves in the same predicament as Jerry McDonald. They were threatened with being charged with obstruction-of-justice if they did not support the prosecution. Seems to be a common tactic for these prosecutors.

So a child is living with one parent that lives in a cult. The cult leader spews his hated and lies to the "family" regarding anyone that is outside the cult. False accusations are made by the cult toward the true custodial parent which include some horric and bizare acts, which none are true. Do you leave the child there while working through a transition period? Hell no!

You're absolutely right about Sharon, she is the deputy coroner for Catoosa and Wilson is Walker. Certainly she knows Wilson, probably quite well, but is not his employee, which would be over-the-top as a conflict of interest. Not that there haven't been several over-the-top conflicts of interest already...

Mr. Anderson,Thank you! You get it. BTW, just read previous post that you went to Clemson. There is nothing like a football game at Death Valley the team coming down the hill, rubbing Howard's rock , Tiger Rag, etc. Love it, love it. Go Tigers!

From one who seen first hand back in the early 70's what the Henke parents were like and how the sledge hammer fist, and extremely volatile tongue was the way most of the time the household was run. Tonya's children do not need to be anywhere near these grandparents. Ask Tonya she knows how Joal's father is.

Yes, I believe there were threats of that nature as well! I don't know these people, personally, but have read their accounts on blogs, and other forums. After seeing what has happened during Ms. Craft's trial, I tend to believe them.

****************Cinderella,

Since I don't know Tonya, personally, nor her children, I just based my beliefs on what the expert witnessed testified to in the way of convincing children they were molested by poorly conducted interviews. I do remember her daughter stated on the stand that she didn't remember the abuse, but her daddy told her. What her daughter actually believes regarding her mother, would be a pivotal to be able to return full custody to Tonya at this point. Would Judge Williams be in a position to interview her daughter herself to be able to make a decision on this, or would it require a therapist or someone else?

Something needs to be done for Tonya's children now.....school is out for the summer and they need this time to start to get their lives back in order....school will start back in a couple of months....give them the summer to adjust!!!!! Now is the time to move forward and let Tonya start her life again as a mother!!!!! Let them get settled BEFORE the new school year starts....

Kaye,I appreciate your thoughtful posts and your professional opinions. "What her daughter actually believes regarding her mother, would be a pivotal to be able to return full custody to Tonya at this point. Would Judge Williams be in a position to interview her daughter herself to be able to make a decision on this, or would it require a therapist or someone else?"Now that is a great question since we have seen the abuse of power by so called "therapists" in this case. It is indeed scary.

"Best interest for the children" is the last thing Joel Henke has in mind. If you really care about the best interest for a child, you just don't turn the child against the other parent EVEN IF the other parent were evil.

As for Sarah Henke, her meanness directed towards Tonya is unbelievable. The meanest part is the fact that she boasts about how wonderful a step mother she is through a social networking site and disguises her malice against Tonya in her gratitude to God for "giving this wonderful child"!

When she has her won baby, she will have to pay dearly by means of her sorrow over her own child. (This is a prediction, and not a threat!)

Whoa... I just posted what I would consider a "middle of the road" idea on what I would do as the judge.And BTW I am neither of whoever you accused me of being. I am an "out of towner" and do not know ANYONE including Mr Anderson related to this case. I have been following it, and even attended the courtroom on occasions. I have always felt Tonya was innocent and was very proud of the verdict.I am also proud that a shakeup is in the works for the "system" that needs major changes.I am not saying joint custody should be permanent. I was just saying that this transition period will be crucial for the child to heal. I no nothing about Joal except what I heard in the courtroom. I suspect that the young girl loves her daddy and mother both, so getting her thru this will require professional supervision.I guess I understand some of you pouncing on me, and that's OK. This is a very emotional issue, but I was just offering an outside opinion.I have not read the link yet someone suggested, but I will.The other post concerning the grandparents does seem reasonable to me as well. All Tonya's family and friends seem to be really nice folks.I just would be careful not to tear this kid apart from the inside out without some careful thought and a plan.She has been thru enough hell.

I did read the newspaper article, & it seems to me the plan I wrote about may be OK. She is not asking for TOTAL custody right NOW with no supervision.I do think the Judge should move quickly and I repeat what I tried to say.As the judge I would be monitoring this REAL close. If Joal or Tonya cannot put this case behind them long enough to consider the child, I would look to rule harshly against that person.She needs unconditional love and help to heal from a powerful mess.Being a judge is not easy when the parents just totally refuse to agree on anything.

Eagel1Please forgive my pounce and name calling. Nicky is the children's current "therapist" and Lori (actually it should have been Laurie) is the nutcase that has PTSD.I do know Tonya, so perhaps I have some strong feelings. But again I must say that this is not a custody case with immature parents pulling at the kids! Tonya needs her children back in her home as soon as possible (yes I understand about transition) not for her Tonya but for the CHILDREN.Tonya has said and will continue to say, "This is not about me, it is about the children". She means it. It is not a mantra or lip service. It is who she is. Listen the kids have been through hell, a hell that was created by the evil actions of her father, step mother, and others. Take the children out of that hell!

Give the kids to Tonya and leave them alone! She is their mother and kids love their mothers, PERIOD. Joel H. needs to be in therapy (ALONE) to find out why he would even marry someone who would bath and do what Sarah did with his own daughter! The kids will adjust just fine by themselves if they could ever get back to their mother for crying out loud!!!!. Joel needs to pay back child support. I don't like the idea of a parent, MOTHER OR FATHER, letting their own child be abused in the bathtub by anyone, PERIOD! He should get rid of SARAH!

Bill, you made mention that the judges of LMJC were elected. They are in an elected post, but for the last 40 years, with the exception of Brian House, every one of the judges had been appointed by the governor. They ran unopposed because of stated fear of never being able to have a case fairly heard, should a decent attorney attempt to run against them. Also, Bo Woods as the Senior Superior Court Judge made some outlandish requirements to qualify to run, so that any young upstart would have to wait, thus being indoctrinated into the LMJC way of thinking. (read above statement again, they fear never being able to have a case heard fairly again.)It is my sincere hope that there will be honest attorneys that will step up, for the right reason of true justice, without regard to the advancement of their careers, to run against the lot of judges that now sit on the bench in the LMJC, and just take 'em all to the woodshed.

I've personally had Judge Williams preside over a case that I was the defendant in.

I have to say I know for a fact she is very fair, ethical and professional. Granted, she didn't really rule in 'my favor' but she did do what was ethical and right in the eyes of the law. In the end, we (plantiff and myself) walked away with the issue resolved and knew the judge was fair and ethical.

As stated before, she didn't rule in my favor as much as I would have liked for her to but she did what was right, she was neutral, ethical and resolved the issue. I'm confident she'll do what is legally and ethically right in this situation.

Still praying for Tonya everyday! God has a big plan and we may not see what it is, but he does and he'll take care of her, her children, her husband and family!

I have heard from others about Judge Williams and she almost always has good reviews from people who work in the court and people who come before her in a courtroom.

That being said, even though Judge Williams would never read this forum, that doesn't mean people in her office and other judiciary offices don't read this forum. I'm afraid that some of the people commenting here, talking about the children and siblings of the children involved in this case may be doing a disservice to Tonya. Tonya has always allowed that the children are victims of this terrible tragedy. However, some people have ranted about the children (and their siblings) remaining in the school and in the community. Unfortunately, this will only make all supporters of Tonya look bad. The rants and anger dialogue might even be transmitted to people of the court about how angry some supporters are. I do hope that type of behaviour does not have an effect on Tonya regaining custody of her children.

It is very, very important that they are with their mother for their well being related to their growth and development mentally, and emotionally.

I agree with the others that said Tonya should not have to endure supervised visitation and should regain full custody as before this farce began. If justice is served, it should be apparent to all that the Henkes manipulated and lied to get the situation to their advantage. Every step they took was damaging to the children and they should be removed from their custody. Tonya has done nothing wrong and took every step to do things for the safety and benefit of her children.

One article I read after her acquittal said her daughter called her by phone and said she was relieved after the verdict. Everything I read indicated to me that the daughter thought Tonya put medicine on her and that the Henke's fed her the idea that the medicine application was somehow bad. They twisted the facts and those facts are easily straightened out with this child. At 8 years old, someone can tell her that there was a mistake and her mom never did anything wrong - she will comprehend.

I had a best friend since I was a teenager. Later when she married, had a child, and then separated she made accusations of abuse against the father. I didn't believe her (and had good reason not to). The father had to endure a year of supervised visits at a therapist center. Fortunately, the therapists on the case saw through my girl friend's little drama and made the most stringent recommendations to the court in favor of the father and against the mother. The husband showed me the paperwork and I was shocked at how accurate their assessment of my friends personality issues were. They recommended sole and legal custody to the father with such limited contact with the mother that she would not even be allowed to phone except on holidays for a period of 1 year so that the father could re-bond with the daughter. This was a case where no physical or sexual allegations of abuse against the mother - the actual act of alienating the other parent and manipulating the system was seen as abusive. Unfortunately, she fled with the daughter but that is a another long story. I brought this up only to illustrate that competent professionals do, at times, recommend full custody of children from a parent that has suffered parental alienation; and that they do so because it is better for the child to re-establish bonds with the alienated parent and have distance from the parent who alienated the other parent. All this interference from authorities to keep Tonya away from her rightful place with her kids is just a bunch of legal and shrink mumbo jumbo.

I am glad to hear that the case will be reviewed by Judge Williams on the 7th and I hope to learn of a good outcome for Tonya and the kids.

Your concerns are valid, but I figure the same person who keeps ranting about not wanting those children in the school system is a child herself. Most likely a high school student who can't stand the Boyd's children, and who feels that her family has been mistreated by the school system....

Very sad and angry child.

I am sure anyone with some sense can see that what she write does not represent what Tonya thinks.

So, if I were you, I'd just not pay much attention to what this child rants about.

Mr. Anderson, as always, this is excellent. The times I've been in court with children and their families it has turned out well...here in Hamilton county. There have been many times or more thatthe DHS has let me down...child with brusies from being beaten by a coat hanger returned to Mom that night, child whose Mom was a Hooker and her twin brothers were allowed to be adopted but the girl wasn't and within one week after she was returned to Mom they were on the street in Red Bank after midnight (Mom hooking with child in tow), male child beaten by Dad with blood and brusies on his back and arms, given back to Dad that night and Dad threatened to kill me...on and on about DHS! Anyway, I really appreciate you and your hard work.

Side Note: You are saved in my favorites right above the Captain Underpants sites for my granddaughter! LOL I thought you would enjoy that information. Bobb

Mary Jane,no one has said anything about the children.The parents are hard to deal with.Unfortunately these parents have put there children in this mess.I don't think people worry about the Boyd kids,it is the younger children we worry about.When a young child does certain thing to themselves in front of the other kids,it is hard to explain to a young child what she was doing.

Narc: Your commnets ring true here in my North Alabama county. Every judge here was appointed by the goivernor and then usually ran unopposed or opposed by someone whose main practice was in a neighboring county. And the bar wnats to do away with elections and go to appts by a 5 man panel.

I find it absolutely outrageous that Bo Woods, as the Senior Superior Court Judge, would make some outlandish requirements to qualify to run.How is it that they missed the fact that Judge Kristina Graham was practicing law without a license for the last 5 years? She even ran for election. Can someone tell me who is responsible for checking credentials for those wishing to run for office? I could understand missing paying your dues once, but for 5 years!! Corruption learned at her father's knee I suppose. The rules don't apply to them.I get so mad I may have to take up drinking the box wine! :-p

I'm so glad to hear about the upcoming hearing, and am especially thrilled to hear so many voice that she is considered fair and is well-respected in the community--even from one who she ruled against, which speaks volumes for her character.

Although I am sure Judge Williams is a very busy woman, I'm certain that she has heard about some of Joal Henke's testimony which would include his perjery. That simply cannot bode well for him. Also, she did tell Tonya's attorneys to try and work something out with Joal. Despite their attempts to contact Dupree, they could not get make contact. Within a day or two he filed for Joal to have a home study. I'll bet that didn't escape her either.

This probably isn't the first case she's had which involves attempts at complete parental alienation, and I suspect that she thinks that a parent that is willing to use their child as a pawn is not a good parent at all. That is what I hope anyway.

First, I believe that the children do need to be taken out of the Henke household ASAP. The cult analogy is very accurate. They have been spoon feeding the two children lies and manipulating them into believing all sorts of untruths. What needs to be done is to have one of the experts who help de-program people who escape from cults to interview the children and see if there is anything that needs to be done that can be done to help the children. My guess is that the answers are yes and yes, and that cannot be done by leaving them in their present situation being counseled by their current therapist. Some of us may recall a sketch on Saturday Night Live, the celebrity jeopardy sketc, where one of the categories was "therapists," but they kept calling it "The Rapists." So far, that's what CAC and Greenhouse and others have done to these children, the children of Craft, Lamb, Wilson, McDonald, and countless others. The girls were not molested on their body but these people are raping their minds.

Second, as for Joal Henke, we cannot expect anything from his camp to be done in the best interest of his children. The only person Sandra Lamb cares about is Sandra Lamb, and the only person whose interests Joal Henke looks after is Joal Henke, or more specifically Joal Henke's john thomas.

I have a question. Does anyone know if Tonya has had any contact with her children yet? Even a phone call? Don't the children see Tonya's Parents every other weekend and David Craft every other weekend? Could she legally see the children then?

Mary Jane,you talk about people saying they no longer want certain families at school & it upsets you.You are attacking high schoolers that you know nothing about.You are definitely friends of the Boyds,but what is so funny we have said nothing about the Boyd kids.How are you any different than those talking about the families,the very same people who turned Tonyas life upside down.

One of the results of this trial will be that Sandra Lamb's daughter is not going to be doing any more movies as a child actress, and especially now that Sandra has been the star of her own "show." (I'm sure that the U.S. Department of Justice is going to be interested in her "Shove it up you ass, you black bastard" comments made while striking Eric Echols. They have received a letter and a link to the video courtesy of someone who will be nameless.)

It never occurred to Lamb that in her drive to destroy the life of Tonya Craft, she actually turned the rest of her family into her victims. No director is going to be willing to take a chance with Sandra's daughter from here on out. That is just the way it is, and it was Sandra's doing.

There sure have been comments posted here that have been very negative towards the Boyd kids. Here are just a few direct quotes:

". . .we need to get rid of the Wilsons, Lambs, Boyds, and Mcdonalds. Their children have no business being at this school." (Anonymous, May 23, 2010 7:40 PM)

"If any family should leave it should be the Boyd family." (Anonymous, May 15, 2010 8:45 PM)

"When Miraim Boyd's daughter was running her mouth on facebook and I brought her down a peg or two . . ." (Harmony, May 14, 2010 2:46 PM)

". . . yes the Boyd girl was running her mouth big time.See why we do not want these people around our kids." (Anonymous, May 14, 2010 2:58 PM"

"I hope everyone has been calling Mrs.Day so we can try to get the Boyds,Wilsons,Lambs &Mcdonalds out of our school system." (Anonymous, May 13, 2010 12:56 PM)

"Why would the Boyds,Lambs,Wilsons & Mcdonalds even want to keep their kids in school,they know how everyone feels about them.You would think they would be so embarrassed they would want to leave.WAKE UP NO ONE WANT'S YOU!" (Anonymous, May 13, 2010 2:26 PM)

". . . the Boyds,Lambs,Wilsons &Mcdonalds kids are in the school then we have to deal with their parents. That is why we are trying to get rid if them. [the kids] I'm sorry for the kids but their parents should have thought about that before they . . . did what they did." (Anonymous, May 13, 2010 4:23 PM)

". . . Boyds WE DO NOT WANT YOU AT OUR SCHOOL!!!!JUST LEAVE!!GO AWAY WE ARE SO SICK OF YOUR LIES!GO TO ANOTHER SCHOOL & BE THEIR PROBLEM.WE DON'T WANT ANY OF YOU!!!!!!!!" (Anonymous, May 13, 2010 4:34 PM)

"I know the Boyds have read this . . . & [they] know how we feel about them. We don't like any of you. Do not keep your kids in chickamauga schools . . . So if are a good parent take your kids out . . ." (Anonymous, May 13, 2010 4:43 PM)

"The high school was pretty quite today,the Boyd kids kept the lips zipped today." (Anonymous, May 13, 2010 7:24 PM)

"The high school was heated today most of the students were yelling at the Boyds kids saying they need to leave." (Anonymous, May 12, 2010 3:55 PM)

Lame,WOW!What side are you on.After everything you recorded & who really does that on an open blog?It seems to me alot of people feel that way.I did not know how much until I saw your compulsive writing.I think there are more of us that are sickened by these families actions than you appear to be.Oh by the way the Boyd son has graduated.

Lame you conveniently left out why the high schoolers were yelling at the Boyds.The Boyds came in saying they were sick of seeing people wearing yellow.They said anyone on Tonyas side should go to HELL.So LAME do you need anymore info.Teenagers are just like adults,people can only take so much of in your face.

Lame,that was lower than a cheap shot.Anyone that posted anything about the Boyd kids gave very detailed reasons for what was stated.They were the ones running their mouth,not the other students.You need to wake up & read the facts.

Lame are you really that stupid-sick.Any parent with a child that has to be around these families through school,are very worried about our children being around these people.If we were not,what kind of parents would we be.Look at what they did to Tonya,they could do it to anyone.Even Tonya said that.

Hey, I like Lame. Furthermore, I know where Lame is from, and unless the Boyds have moved west, Lame ain't Miriam.

The purpose of this blog has not been to encourage bloodletting, guys. We got our main goal, and that was Tonya's acquittal. Now we turn to other important subjects, like getting Eric Echols out of the clutches of the Dishonest Duo, helping Brad Wade, and dealing with others who are falsely accused in Catoosa County.

We cannot lose sight of what needs to be done. The other stuff is so much detail and will work itself out one way or another.

I have no problems with the Boyd kids,my son went to there daughters birthday just a few weeks ago,may i add it was her 16 birthday.People don't invite you if there are problems.I still do no no your own dumb ass signs.

The hearing marks the beginning of that custody battle in the wake of Ms. Craft’s recent acquittal in a Georgia state court on 22 counts of child molestation, aggravated child molestation and aggravated sexual battery...."

I agree the children are the main concern and having said that, having them live in a home with clear parental alienation taking place is not in their best interest. I do not believe one minute Joal Henke is thinking about the betterment of his children..he is clearly focused on hurting their mother and in doing so he hurts the children. She is their mother not some stranger begging for time with them. The longer they are away from her the more estranged their relationship will become. I'm sorry but in this situation pulling them out of Joal Henke's home immediately is best for them.

Bill, can you please delete a good portion of these comments on here. They have clearly sunk to a new low, especially anon 12:25.

Come on people this is rediculous. This blog is not about the problems with whose kids go to what school. If you don't like it, then either complain to the school administration and school board, get a petition of those who are zoned for these schools stating you want them out and why, but quit coming on here and posting. If you want, start your own blog. This one is about Tonya and the injustices to many others in the LMJC.

Lame, I hope you don't let these people run you off, your posts have always been welcome and on point.

<< Anonymous said...The children's father should protect these children at all costs. Ms. Crafty is in fact guilty and is a child abuser. She worked the media like puddy. I believe the children over Ms. Crafty.

May 29, 2010 7:45 AM >>

tonya is IN FACT, NOT GUILTY! the only people abusing children in this case, are those who filled the minds of innocent children with LIES! and i would go so far as to speculate that YOU, anonymous 7:45, are one of them.

tonya did not work the media. many public circumstances leading up to the trial caught the attention of certain local media, who then chose ON THEIR OWN to delve deeper into this case... and they did. and most accurately reported on this trial from day one. and every logical, sane (as in not insane...) person who followed the trial either through the media or actually in the courtroom could SEE with their own hearts that tonya was indeed railroaded and the she is INNOCENT!

a post trial online poll showed that 98% of the people believe tonya was falsely accused! 98%!what does that show you? it showed me that 2% of the population is ignorant of reality.

you can write on blogs, and run your mouth all over town, but NOTHING you write or speak will change the fact that tonya is INNOCENT!

YOU, anonymous writer, should refrain from publicly displaying your ignorance......... besides, don't you have a 25 million dollar lawsuit to prepare for?? better get busy!

Hahaha...It wasn't the media that first informed me of this case. It was someone who knows Joal and has known him for years. They told me what his history is, and what he is capable of. Then, when I read the trial updates and informed myself, any "thinking" person can see the obvious. Tonya got mixed up with the wrong guy!

The comment by the troll is actually good occasionally, for any that address the facts in responses here. Consider what the troll wrote;

- "The children's father should protect these children at all costs."

The actual damage the children suffered was created by the parents pushing accusations of crime and the state working to convince the accusers they were victims of the said crimes. The liabilities for these injuries will be assessed against them in the future.

The ironic nature of the child protective systems is that they can't or won't police themselves.

As for the "father"; the "daddy told me", stepmom showed 'me in the shower', and the fact "father" ignored the order that "Miss Laurie" Evans was to NEVER be in contact with the "children" speaks volumes about how that "father" has worked to "protect these children".

- "Ms. Crafty is in fact guilty and is a child abuser. ...I believe the children over Ms. Crafty."

Here, absent identification of the specific testimony in which to believe, we have a troll impeaching their statement within the same paragraph. All children denied any allegations of a crime having been committed UNTIL the parents and state committed the crime of psychologically injurying those same children.

- "She worked the media like puddy"The troll conveniently forgets which of the two parties involved had accomplished the most in the media prior to the gag order - the innocent defendant or the state and any of it's witnesses.

OK, you people who make drive-by comments about my post regarding the Boyd children using "Anonymous" as your handle need to do two things, get a brain and get a conscious. First, at no point have I ever defended any of the adults involved in the framing of Ms Craft. In fact, if you read my other posts I have been more than critical of them. Here is a quote from me on this topic: "The only person Sandra Lamb cares about is Sandra Lamb, and the only person whose interests Joal Henke looks after is Joal . . ." (May 28, 2010 5:28 PM). If I was one "on the other side" would I have made this statement? People check in here and see one thing that points out one person's hypocracy and they automatically think that person is on the other side. You are just like the people who were saying that France is against the United States because they didn't support our invasion or Iraq. I didn't support our invation of Iraq, and I can gurantee you that I'm one of the most patriotic people you could ever meet. If you had read my other posts I have repeatedly said that I grew up in Florida, now live in Utah, and have zero friends or relatives who live anywhere near LMJC, other than those friends I have made on this board. And those who tried to call me out for a man-to-man talk, I'd be more than happy to, if you wouldn't mind paying for a plane ticket from Salt Lake City to Atlanta. So, how did I make that post? I did not "record" everything that has been posted. You who posted it obviously hadn't read my previous posts, or you wouldn't have been saying those things. So, how did I find them? It's called, 'going back and looking at old posts, copy & paste.' It doesn't take a person who's recording what people say, and it doesn't take a genious.

Second, regarding the reason why I made the post, I have said time-and-again that we need to leave the children out of this. As an educator, I can tell you that school is supposed to be a safe environment. When a parent encourages or knowingly allows their child to go to school and bully, tease, ostricize, or otherwise harass other students, then you do not deserve to have children. It is hard enough trying to deal with the material they are learning. The last thing a child needs is to be harassed by other students. I had it happen to me, and I have seen it happen to others. The results are never positive, and sometimes leads to suicidal or homicidal acts. Columbine didn't happen because the other kids were nice to those two boys. It doesn't matter if the other kids said something about Tonya Craft while in school, if you are actively promoting negative actions or words against those children, then I'm sorry you are the one who needs to be removed, not them. If they are spouting off, then they should be reported to the administration who can tell them to stop. How many of you who are yourselves speaking harsh words towards the children church-going people? Is telling them they aren't wanted and that they are horrible and should go to hell the kind of thing Jesus would like you to say? Absolutely not! So, like I said, it doesn't take a genious to make my post. It took a Christian with a copy and paste function-capable computer with a desire to call someone out when they made a very hypocritcal post. If anyone else would like to call me out on my posts, I recommend that you first know what you're talking about.

Thank you Dr Anderson and others who stook up for me. I appreciate your doing that. It further shows that you're the kind of people I like; someone who will not stand for ignorance, intollerance, and injustice.

Lame what you fail to realize is that the boyd children were the ones who were verbally bashing Tonya, and brought the reactions from other students upon themselves. My post just stated that I put her in her place, without vulgarity and nrgativity I might add. The other children need to be left out of it but the Boyd kids put themselves out there and should be ready for the consequences.

Harmony, I can understand if people were upset with the children, but there is no call for some of the comments made against them.

Please, don't think I'm being ugly in asking the following question, but were you there, and did you actually hear them say those negative things, or did you hear this from someone else? If you heard them say something in person, then I can understand your frustration with them.

I was told today about a conversation that took place today at church in which one person said something that was very ugly towards the other person. I have heard other negative things about this man in the past, and so I am inclined to believe his word over that of the lady involved. But, I have not heard directly from either person about this, and I was not there. So, if I went around saying things like, "He said 'such-and-such'" and "we need to get this guy out of the church," I would not be doing the right thing. So far, anything I know about this conversation is rumor and hearsay.

If I were to blast this person for saying what was reported to me, then I would be guilty of spreading rumor. That is at the heart of my many of my posts regarding the Boyds, Lambs and others; if you don't know first hand, or unless you have it reported to you by a reputable source who was there, then it is rumor. My own mother told me about this conversation, but she was not there. Therefore, in this context, she is not a reputable source.

Yes, I too have made some negative comments about Sandra Lamb and Joal Henke. In those cases I was basing my opinion upon reports that were made here and elsewhere from persons who (at least claim to) have first-hand knowledge, published court testimony, information contained in personal interviews (or cell phone video evidence--Thank you Mr Echols), and assessment of general behavior. People keep saying Sandra Lamb and Joal Henke had an affair. I do not know this to be true. Nobody claiming inside knowlege has reported this to be true. So, I do not comment on it as if it were true, I only speculate. So, I as I have previously stated, if you are going to say that somebody did or said something, unless you either personally witnessed it or heard from a reputable source who did witness it, then you need to disclaim said action or spoken words as hearsay or speculation. Dr Anderson's blog is a place for truth and justice not a place for people to post gossip. Someone previously posted a comment who witnessed one of the persons involved in this case bad mouthing Tonya Craft while at the hair dresser. So, I shall say, if you want to badmouth the Boyd children, go to the hairdresser.

the accusations of infidelity between sandra lamb and joal henke came from three observations.

one. phone records. many calls, often late at night, between the two of them.

two. the long stares and coy smiles they share when they are in each others presence (when spouses were either not looking or not present).

three. sandra's husband filing for divorce citing "inappropriate behavior." he actually quit his high paying job with sandra's father when he left sandra. that alone speaks volumns.

i cannot sit here and say with certainty that joal and sandra have been having an affair... but after more than four years of working in investigations, my personal opinion is that they very likely have crossed the line dividing friendship and inappropriate relationship.

That is all circumstantial. Yes, you can build a case on circumstantial evidence, but you need a lot more than phone records, looking in the other person's general direction (giggling to myself due to a Monty Python quote I could make regarding "general direction"), and a divorce. if it comes out in the divorce proceedings that mr Lamb alleges infidelity, then yes I'd say that there is enough circumstantial evidence to support an allegation of an affair between the two. However, "inappropriate behavior" can mean just about anything. If anything, I'd say that her putting her daughter through hell to make herself feel more important and gain sympathy qualifies as "inappropriate behavior," as does ordering her son to risk his life and break the law by moving a vehicle to block traffic, as does committing a hate crime on camera, as does giving an interview during which she makes the whole family out to be fools and liars, as does lieing on the witness stand, as does conspiring to frame an innocent woman. Hell, putting on that god-awful dress and going outside (in the Echols video) qualifies as "inappropriate behavior."

Lame my comments were pertaining to the conversation I had with Miriam Boyd's daughter per facebook. She was bashing Tonya craft and I put a stop to it. I didn't put her down or cuss at her in anywayshape or form.

Harmony, in your case, yes, you acted appropriately. Like I said, if you personally witnessed it and took the appropriate action, then more power to you. It's continued spreading of gossip and rumor that needs to be stopped, not just about the kids but about everyone. I know I have said some things that are quite negative, such as my speculation about whether or not R Lamb will turn out to be a lesbian. But, it was just that, speculation. I'm not saying she is, I'm speculating that it is possible. It's possible that she could go on to win the academy award for best actress. I'm not going to say something like, "Sandra Lamb slept with the director to get her daughter the part in that movie." I have no evidence, I can't even speculate about that. So, Harmony, good job in being polite with the kid to get her to stop. When I asked if you witnessed the actions in person or if it was told to you I was not trying to belittle you in any way. You did the right thing.

Gossip Girl, thanks for being gracious about it. I wasn't trying to show you up, just show you the truth. I've been wrong here before as have been many people. It takes a bigger person to admit when they're wrong than it takes to tell someone else when they are wrong. I've seen you make some very decent posts in the past, and I think that in this case you just didn't notice where they were located when the action took place. Unlike some other people (wink) I've read your previous posts and know that you're not 'with the other side.' You've been on the side trying to see the truth in all this. That doesn't particularly mean that you're for or against one person or group. In some ways I can understand certain things that may or may not have happened with the Lambs and with the Crafts. Unless we were right there, a fly on the wall, when this unfolded, stage by stage, then the majority of what we say here is either speculation or based upon speculation. Even that which was stated by the parties involved, even if the person was telling the truth as they saw it, is colored by perspective and imperfect memory. That's why, as a historian, I often have to tell people that in history there are no certain facts only perspectives. There are as many sides to any story as there were people involved, and sometimes even more--you know the old saying, "Put three people in a room and you'll get six opinions."

About Me

I teach economics at Frostburg State University in Frostburg, Maryland. We are located on the Allegheny Plateau, and we have cool summers and tough winters.
I am the single father of five children, four of them adopted from overseas and I have two grandchildren. My family and I are members of Faith Presbyterian Church (PCA).